In this week’s TFI, Downtown Chairman Frank McKenna tells us why the re-location of 15,000 civil service jobs from London to the provinces as announced in the Chancellor’s budget is good news for Manchester. We have all the usual features too, including news of a major International Tennis Tournament coming to the city. Vehicle Consulting are ‘Business of the Week’, whilst Gavin Sorby reveals all in ‘Who Are Yer?’ Don’t forget the clocks go forward on Saturday, so have a great weekend, and don’t do anything Frank wouldn’t do…

The big news for most DMIB members this week will have been the long-awaited budget.

So, is the Chancellor going out on a high note, or has he missed an opportunity? The reactions have been mixed.

The headlines were all about the stamp duty changes designed to kick-start the housing market, but will do so by taxing properties worth more than £1million at an astonishing 5 per cent.

Alcohol, fuel and tobacco taxes are all up once again, making sure the average household will be paying more into Government coffers.

But dig deeper and there is support in the budget for businesses, and opportunities for those looking out for them.

Whatever your overall views of the Chancellor’s budget this week, and the overwhelming response from business seems quite positive, the confirmation by Alistair Darling that 15,000 civil service jobs will be re-located from London to the provinces provides the North West with a superb opportunity...

Loyalty points simply for booking a room!

With a new rewards club you can earn loyalty points just for having a great time...that being, every time you make a booking with Serviced City Pads.

As soon as you've saved 30 points, SCP will give you a £50 Love2Choose gift voucher to spend at stores such as John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, HMV or Amazon. Or why not use your points to treat yourself to something that you might normally feel guilty about, such as a spa trip or theatre tickets? Whether you're a savvy PA with regular accommodation to be booked, a city slicker with a penchant for weekend breaks or a group of friends that love an indulgent night out, there's always time to start thinking about what you would like to save for...

North West-based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors Mitchell Charlesworth has launched a new independent corporate insurance solutions service to support companies and charities after appointing two of the region’s top specialists.

Steve Critchlow and Terence Reed, who have more than 25 years experience as insurance brokers and risk advisors, have joined the firm to set up Mitchell Charlesworth Insurance Solutions Ltd (MCIS).

The pair have joined from a national group to set up the independent corporate insurance broker and risk advisory service, which will operate across the firm’s five offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Warrington and Widnes.

Mitchell Charlesworth Insurance Solutions is part of the Willis Commercial Network, established in 1998, which is a partnership between independent UK brokers, the Willis Group – the global insurance broker - and a panel of leading insurers.

MCIS’s association with the Willis Commercial Network gives it access to the global resources and buying power of WiIlis, whilst also retaining its independence and local knowledge.

Dramatic plans for the rear of Manchester Central, formerly G-Mex, have been revealed that will include a new tram interchange, three glass towers and a new public park in the sky.

There will also be a new glass bridge linking Deansgate station and improved pedestrian access from the tram stop into the heart of the city.

The master plan has been developed by Ian Simpson architects and was revealed at the MIPIM international property conference in Cannes.

If you are looking for used cars why not visit Vehicle Consulting? Vehicle Consulting based in Oldham Lancashire, have a wealth of experience in supplying quality used cars to customers throughout the area, and beyond.
 
At Vehicle Consulting you can find a hand-picked selection of quality, previously-owned vehicles, from manufacturers such as
Audi, Mercedes and BMW and more, all competitively priced and professionally presented.

Telephone 1: 0161 620 4000
Telephone 2: 07958 549 533
Mobile: 07816 451 678
sales@vehicle-consulting.com

Kuits Solicitors has made its first significant move to expand its Real Estate and Finance Team since the onset of the banking crisis.  Real Estate Lawyer George MacMillan has joined Kuits Solicitors from Halliwells.

What did eBay's home page look like on June 14, 1997? Hop in the Wayback Machine to find out.

EastZEast can certainly spice up your life! This family owned restaurant is rapidly turning into a North West chain, boasting three venues in Manchester and Preston and rumour has it their success is soon to be savoured in Liverpool’s Albert Dock.

EastZeast offers the best in traditional Punjabi cuisine and is a favoured haunt for many Downtown members. This restaurant is mighty impressive too, not just its contemporary design, but also its relaxed ambient atmosphere and unparalleled table service.

Don’t be put off if the thought of spicy food turns your stomach! EastZEast’s extensive menu caters for you. The lamb chops as a starter comes highly recommended. If you haven’t experienced dining here, then you are in a minority, which in our book tells you something about the quality and its popularity.

Blackfriars Street       
Deansgate
Manchester
M3 5BQ
0161 834 3500 

Princess Street
City Centre
Manchester
M1 7DL

0161 244 5353

http://www.eastzeast.com/

International tennis is to make a spectacular return to Manchester after an absence of more than 16 years.

For more information on this spectacular event use the button below.

Name: Gavin Sorby

Company: Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams

Position: Director

Red or Blue: White and how good was the FA cup!

Brown or Cameron: Difficult to see the future is…Yoda

Favourite Bar/Restaurant: Chicken livers in Piccolinos, Karahi chicken in Akbars and dessert in John Street Hotel, why can’t it be all in one place!

What’s your Tipple: Boddingtons or a good Malbec

Favourite Band: Snow Patrol

Top Tune: Blowers daughter

Favourite Book: Anything by Jamie Oliver

Favourite Movie: Has to be Avatar for the imagination and Matrix for the idea.

Who would play you in a film: Roger Rabbit…is it wrong to have thoughts about Jessica?

Favourite TV Programme: Inbetweeners

Most visited website: leedsunited.com

Celebrity Crush: Angelina Jolie

Interesting Fact about you: I am trekking up Kilimanjaro in October to raise money for Scope and I will be asking everybody for sponsorship. Those nice people at DMIB will also be sponsoring me and in return I will hopefully be planting a DIB flag at the top.

http://www.justgiving.com/Gavin-Sorby